x
Breaking News
More () »

Vehicle found with two bodies inside; Couple missing after posting Craigslist ad for 1966 Mustang

UPDATE (4PM EST): Sheriff Chris Steverson states that they have found the 2003 GMC owned by Mr and Mrs. Runion. Two bodies were also recovered. “Telfair C...
Missing couple
Vehicle found with two bodies inside; Couple missing after posting Craigslist ad for 1966 Mustang

UPDATE (4PM EST):

Sheriff Chris Steverson states that they have found the 2003 GMC owned by Mr and Mrs. Runion. Two bodies were also recovered.

“Telfair County Sheriff Chris Steverson has confirmed that investigators have recovered the 2003 GMC Envoy owned by Mr. and Mrs. Runion. It was found submerged in a lake. Two bodies were also recovered at a separate location. However, the bodies have not been positively identified at this time. The investigation is continuing and more details will be made available as soon as they are known.”

UPDATE (1PM EST):

The suspect who police sought in connection with the disappearance of a Marietta, Georgia, couple who had responded to a Craigslist ad, turned himself in Monday morning, the Telfair County Sheriff’s Office said on its Facebook page.

Previously:

He drove 180 miles away to meet a man who responded to the ad

Couple missing after posting Craigslist ad for car; suspect identified

Police have identified a suspect in the case of a Georgia couple who went missing after contacting a car seller on Craigslist.

Elrey Runion and his wife, June, placed an ad looking for a 1966 Mustang on the advertisements website.

They drove to McRae from the Atlanta suburb of Marietta on Thursday to meet someone who responded to the ad, relatives said.

No one has heard from them since.

“He was excited about the car. He had one when he got back from Vietnam,” daughter Stephanie Bishop told CNN affiliate WSB.

Relatives filed a missing persons report after the couple failed to show up to babysit their grandchildren the next day.

‘Last known communications’

Authorities are looking for Ronnie “Jay” Adrian Towns, who they believe responded to the ad.

Towns, 28, was the “last known communications” with Runion, said Sheriff Chris Steverson of Telfair County.

The couple made the trip to look at the car, and once Runion got to Telfair County, the suspect communicated with him, according to the sheriff. He did not say who called whom.

The suspect lied to investigators at an earlier interview, authorities said.

Two warrants

Police have issued two warrants for the suspect; one for making false statements to investigators and another one for criminal intent to commit theft by deception. A manhunt is underway.

For days, authorities have searched for the couple using helicopters and watercraft, and will continue to do so, Steverson said.

“I am eternally grateful for the prayers that have been lifted up, the encouraging words, complete strangers who have reached out, we are so thankful for that,” said Josh Patterson, their son-in-law.

“Bud is a veteran. He and June are great people, they give so much, they are selfless.”

The Runions were last seen driving a champagne 2003 GMC Envoy.

McRae is about 180 miles from Marietta.

Facebook page to support finding the couple.

 

Before You Leave, Check This Out